The past December 21st was a memorable day for several families from Santa Cruz. Ternium staged the show “The Circus” in Barra da Tijuca, which explored the hope for better days, the magic of the ring, the opening act for the little clowns, dancers, and trapeze artists. Broken down into fifteen acts, the presentation featured 200 ballerinas aged 5 to 16 years old, students at Ternium's social project, and was attended by more than 600 guests (58% of the site's seating capacity).
Held annually in the company's auditorium in Santa Cruz, this time, because of the pandemic, the show was awarded a different, larger stage: The circus’ ring. In compliance with all health protocols determined by City Hall and WHO, the opportunity offered the ballet dancers a new, magical experience. With the easing relaxation of the isolation measures enforced during the pandemic, Ternium-supported social projects have resumed activities. However, for the presentation, the circus was chosen for having a wider space, which allowed a greater distance between attending members in the audience.
The presentation was broken down into fifteen acts.
Hanna Luiza, 10, is one of the project's dancers who was excited to have the chance to perform in a circus ring in Barra da Tijuca: “I have been in ballet for six years, I am already used to the public. But this time, when I was able to get dressed at home with my family and perform in the circus, it was fun. This time I took part in ‘Dancing Clowns’ and after many rehearsals, it was easy to dance. Ballet is very good to help my development and it also helps me to be more willing and open to things.”
For Ana Paula Arruda, 32 years old, mother of dancer Alicia, 12, the spectacle was a dream come true: “My daughter fulfilled my dream, through her I am coming to a circus. I had never gone to one before. She is very thrilled by the tension of all the preparation of the week and the months of anxiety, but it is a feeling of happiness.” “The culture and this social project by Ternium that values art is something beautiful. This was a day to collect memories, after so many sorrows and days of mourning due to the pandemic. Today is a day of great joy and happiness. I'm coming out of the show with a sense of full realization and happiness,” she says.
According to Fernanda Candeias, Ternium Community Relations Manager, it is a great pleasure for the company to sponsor this special project: “These were difficult years because of the pandemic, which has not yet ended. Last year we could not perform the show in our auditorium, so in 2021 we took it to a magical place. We, at Ternium, believe in the magic of the circus.”
The 200 Ternium project dancers are between 5 and 16 years old.
Wanderson Silveira, Coal Factory Control Room Operator at Ternium, has a daughter and a niece participating in the project. They performed this Sunday: “I am really delighted with the number of details in this event, from the means of transport to the on-site structure put up for family members. As for the project, my daughter loves it. She joined this year and is excited and fulfilled because she has always wanted to take ballet. Seeing our kids happy is priceless, so I don’t have anything bad to say. Being part of the company that gives her this, is very rewarding,” he says.
“I am very grateful to the parents of the dancers for supporting their daughters and their dreams to be here today. It is important that girls who live near our plant in Santa Cruz be encouraged and continue to achieve their dreams. This pandemic was horrifying and is still difficult, but as we move forward with vaccination and prevention, we will be able to overcome it. Our commitment is to the community of Brazil, Rio de Janeiro and Santa Cruz,” said Marcelo Chara, President of Ternium, at the opening of the event.
Chara took the opportunity to reiterate the close relationship between the company and the community: “Ternium believes in the future of the region, so we are very close. We believe that an operation of excellence and care for the environment makes all the difference so that we can evolve and care for the community,” he concluded.